Parents Back Son in Internet Attack Case
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The parents of a Hopkins High School senior charged with modifying a version of the Internet worm that crippled computer networks worldwide said their son is a “good kid” who’s never been in trouble with the law.
Bob and Rita Parson spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday morning on NBC’s “Today” show. They said they were still shocked about the federal charge, and had no idea their 18-year-old son, Jeffrey Parson, had anything to do with the attack. He is the first person charged in connection with the computer attacks.
Parson faces one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer. A conviction could bring a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
He admitted during an interview with FBI and Secret Service agents that he modified the original “Blaster” infection that made computers attack the Microsoft Web site last month. Prosecutors said Parson’s worm affected at least 7,000 computers.
The Parsons said their son was not a computer whiz, and spoke of him as an ordinary youth.
“My son is not brilliant; he’s not genius,” Rita Parson said. “Anyone that has any computer knowledge could have done what Jeff did. It doesn’t take a level of genius to do this.”
The Parsons said they do not yet have a lawyer because they cannot afford one. They said a local attorney has been appointed for their son, but will not represent him when he’s tried Sept. 17 in Seattle.
Bob Parson said Jeffrey is slowly becoming aware of the severity of the charges he faces. “I still don’t think it’s totally hitting him,” he said. “I’m sure, slowly, it is.”
If convicted, Parson would join a small clique of identified hackers who created viruses or worms that caused worldwide Internet problems.
David Smith, the New Jersey programmer who created the “Melissa” virus in 1999, was sentenced to 20 months in prison. His virus caused about $80 million in damage.
Onel DeGuzman, the Philippines resident suspected of being the author of the “I Love You” virus in 2000, was never prosecuted because there was no anti-hacking law in his country.
Rita Parson said she fears Jeffrey’s age and clean background won’t help him in court. She doesn’t think that’s fair.
“I think John Ashcroft has come out and said, ‘This child is going to be made an example of,’” she said. “And, at this point, I think there are a lot stronger variants out there. There’s the originator of the worm, and they haven’t found them.”
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